While there have been some reports that the recession has ended, our
full economic recovery is likely to be slow and prolonged, and retailing
will be changed forever.
by Stan Pohmer

2009 was a year for the record books—and not for our positive
achievements. Is there relief in sight, and will things be better for
you and the industry in 2010? Let’s take a look at what happened in
2009, get out our crystal ball, and see what we’ve learned and what we
can look forward to.

the turmoil we faced
The recession of 2008-2009 was unlike anything most of us have ever
experienced. And for the first time ever, the crisis was global in
scope. In the U.S., the following economic challenges led to financial
nightmares for many consumers:

• the bursting of the housing bubble, which has left many homeowners
owing more on their mortgages than their houses are valued at

• the collapse of financial institutions, which resulted in the federal
government investing major funds to bail them out

• the technical bankruptcy of the auto industry, which spurred more
government investment and oversight

• major layoffs in virtually all manufacturing and service sectors

• rising unemployment to more than 10.2 percent (and some say the real
unemployment number is as high as 25 percent when you account for those
whose unemployment benefits have run out and/or who have given up trying
to get a job)

• underemployment leading to lower personal earnings and overall less
discretionary spending power

... For the rest of the story, look to the
January 2010 issue of Florists' Review.